Franklin, PA – Lake-effect snow is expected to intensify this morning across parts of western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, where a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service says an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow is likely, along with blowing snow and travel impacts during the busy Black Friday travel period.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the advisory covers Forest and Venango counties in Pennsylvania and Eastern Tucker County in West Virginia. Forecasters warn that winds gusting up to 35 mph may create sudden drops in visibility, especially under stronger, persistent lake-effect bands.
Travelers heading through communities such as Franklin, Oil City, Tionesta, Davis and Thomas should expect slippery roads and periods of low visibility through the afternoon and evening. Officials caution that locally higher snow amounts are possible where snow bands linger the longest, and an upgrade to a Lake Effect Snow Warning may be needed if conditions worsen.
The hazardous weather is expected to affect regional highways including US-62, PA-8, PA-66 and WV-32, making travel slow and challenging for holiday shoppers and visitors.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance and use caution on icy sidewalks, driveways and steps. Road conditions can be accessed by dialing 511, and residents are encouraged to report snow totals to the NWS via Facebook, X or phone.
